When we could see Huberdeau back in the Calgary Flames lineup
The Calgary Flames are missing one of their biggest offensive contributors in a big way.
The Flames’ offensive struggles continued on Tuesday night, as they fell to the Vegas Golden Knights by a 4-2 final. They’ve now found the back of the net just eight times in their first four games of the season, resulting in a disappointing 1-3-0 record.
Although the Flames were expected to face challenges in goal scoring this season, a significant part of their struggles has been attributed to the absence of Jonathan Huberdeau. The 31-year-old, who was second in team scoring last season with 28 goals and 62 points, has yet to suit up in the 2025-26 season.
Huberdeau’s absence stems from an injury suffered in the preseason versus the Vancouver Canucks, where he collided hard into the net and was forced to head down the tunnel. The Flames haven’t revealed what the injury was, but they do believe he’s close to returning to the lineup.
“Huby skated this morning,” coach Ryan Huska said during Flames practice on Monday. “He’s looking good, and I’m very hopeful that we’ll see him on our trip.”
That trip for the Flames begins on Wednesday night, as they will take on the Utah Mammoth in the second half of a back-to-back slate.
Though it doesn’t sound like Huberdeau will be ready to play the Mammoth, the Flames’ second and final game of their road trip is on Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Assuming there are no setbacks in the days to come, there is a good chance that the veteran winger will be ready to go for that game.
Once Huberdeau is ready to come back, he will likely return to top-line duties and see plenty of time on the power play and penalty kill. It may take him a few games to find his stride, but his addition to the lineup should help this Flames team in a big way when it comes to putting the puck in the net.
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